Creators, once a niche phenomenon, now permeate every aspect of our lives. TikTok stars have expanded beyond the app, appearing in HBO shows, prime-time sitcoms, and Spotify playlists. But what defines an influential creator today? For this list, influence means being born from the internet—not traditional celebrities who later embraced social media—with a platform dedicated to pushing cultural conversations forward. Starting with a broad roster and guided by data from CreatorIQ on followers, engagement, and audience growth over the past year, alongside editorial insight, this ranking highlights creators shaping the culture of 2025.
Here are some key figures:
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Kay Poyer (@ladymisskay_), 25, stands out not as an activist but as a bold voice on topics from trans rights to community-building, known for her candid and unapologetic style that resonates with her “pierced up goth girl” followers.
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Brandon Edelman (@bran__flakezz), 29, transitioned from fashion industry insider to full-time creator with a relatable, “FaceTime best friend” vibe, blending philanthropy and humor while staying grounded.
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Dave Portnoy (@stoolpresidente), 48, evolved from founding Barstool Sports into a pizza-reviewing media mogul and outspoken Trump critic, gaining a new wave of supporters among younger audiences.
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Meredith Hayden (@wishbonekitchen), 29, is a Gen Z cooking sensation sharing approachable recipes with humor and a seaside backdrop, encouraging her followers to embrace imperfection.
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Alix Earle (@alixearle), 24, TikTok’s most marketable personality, combines authentic storytelling about personal struggles with commercial ventures like Super Bowl ads and a podcast, emphasizing a strong voice in content creation.
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Sabrina Brier (@sabrina.cinoman.brier), 31, broke from a Hollywood assistant role to the comedy forefront, creating quotable skits and leveraging creative independence as a content creator.
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Theo Von (@theovon), 45, is a unique podcaster bridging political divides, addressing real-life male concerns with humor, and hosting guests across the political spectrum.
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Anayka She (@anaykashe), 27, mixes comedy and education with viral moments, also pursuing a music career and an upcoming tour.
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Ironmouse (@ironmouse), a Puerto Rican Twitch VTuber with a distinctive avatar and voice shaped by health challenges, is the most subscribed female Twitch streamer and also a singer.
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Ilona Maher (@ilonamaher), 29, blends sports star charisma with body positivity and women’s sports advocacy, winning fans worldwide.
Others on the list range from journalists like Speedy Morman, lifestyle creators like Tefi Pessoa and Drew Afualo, influencers spanning streaming, comedy, and activism, to giants like MrBeast and IShowSpeed, the 20-year-old streaming sensation known for nonstop IRL content and global reach.
Together, these creators illustrate the broad spectrum of internet-born influence today, defined by authenticity, engagement, and cultural impact across platforms and genres, shaping the digital landscape and wider culture in 2025.